U.S. patent application number 17/501366 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-14 for introducer for coupling with ablation probes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Emory University, Focused Cryo, Inc.. Invention is credited to Yogi Patel, John David Prologo.
Application Number | 20220110668 17/501366 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-14 |
![](/patent/app/20220110668/US20220110668A1-20220414-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20220110668/US20220110668A1-20220414-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20220110668/US20220110668A1-20220414-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20220110668/US20220110668A1-20220414-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20220110668/US20220110668A1-20220414-D00004.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20220110668 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patel; Yogi ; et
al. |
April 14, 2022 |
INTRODUCER FOR COUPLING WITH ABLATION PROBES
Abstract
Introducers for detachably coupling with an ablation probe are
described herein. The ablation probe can be a cryoablation probe or
other type of ablation probe such as microwave or RF ablation
probe. An example introducer includes a hollow member; and a
locking mechanism configured to secure the introducer and the
ablation probe. An example system includes an ablation probe; and
an introducer that is configured to detachably couple with the
ablation probe. The introducer includes a hollow member, one or
more energy elements arranged along an axial direction of the
hollow member, and one or more sensor elements arranged along the
axial direction of the hollow member.
Inventors: |
Patel; Yogi; (Kennesaw,
GA) ; Prologo; John David; (Alpharetta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Focused Cryo, Inc.
Emory University |
Kennesaw
Atlanta |
GA
GA |
US
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/501366 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63091481 |
Oct 14, 2020 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
A61B 18/02 20060101
A61B018/02 |
Claims
1. An introducer that is configured to detachably couple with an
ablation probe, the introducer comprising: a hollow member; and a
locking mechanism configured to secure the introducer and the
ablation probe.
2. The introducer of claim 1 further comprising: one or more energy
elements arranged along an axial direction of the hollow member,
and one or more sensor elements arranged along the axial direction
of the hollow member.
3. The introducer of claim 2, further comprising a circuit board,
wherein the one or more energy elements or the one or more sensor
elements are disposed on the circuit board.
4. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising an inner removable
core.
5. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising a coupling sensor
configured to detect coupling of the introducer to the ablation
probe.
6. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising a stabilization
mechanism configured to maintain positioning of the introducer.
7. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising a fiducial
marker.
8. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising a visual
indicator.
9. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising an inertial
sensor.
10. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising an
electromagnetic sensor.
11. The introducer of claim 1, further comprising a controller
comprising a processor and a memory, the memory having
computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed
by the processor, cause the controller to spatially and temporally
control an ablation zone.
12. A system comprising: an ablation probe; and an introducer that
is configured to detachably couple with the ablation probe, wherein
the introducer comprises: a hollow member, one or more energy
elements arranged along an axial direction of the hollow member,
and one or more sensor elements arranged along the axial direction
of the hollow member.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the introducer further
comprises an inner removable core.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the introducer further
comprises a locking mechanism configured to secure the introducer
and the ablation probe.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the introducer further
comprises a coupling sensor configured to detect coupling of the
introducer and the ablation probe.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the introducer further
comprises a stabilization mechanism configured to maintain
positioning of the introducer.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the introducer further
comprises a fiducial marker or visual indicator.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the introducer further
comprises an inertial sensor or an electromagnetic sensor.
19. The system of claim 12, further comprising a controller
operably connected to the introducer, the controller comprising a
processor and a memory, the memory having computer-executable
instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor,
cause the controller to spatially and temporally control an
ablation zone.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the ablation probe is a
cryoablation probe.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 63/091,481, filed on Oct. 14, 2020, and
titled "INTRODUCER FOR COUPLING WITH ABLATION PROBES," the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cryoneurolysis procedures attempt to ablate specific
anatomical tissues to treat a variety of chronic disorders. The
target anatomical tissues can be of various geometries, be at
various locations relative to other organs, and be under
significantly different thermal stresses depending upon the
patient's body composition. To achieve targeted, complete, and
effective cryoneurolysis (or cryoablation) the probe geometries
must be designed to enable appropriate contact with the tissues. In
many cases, these geometries can be complex with structures that
are not easy to pass through the skin, organs, and nearby tissues
to reach the target.
SUMMARY
[0003] An introducer that is configured to detachably couple with
an ablation probe is described herein. The introducer includes a
hollow member; and a locking mechanism configured to secure the
introducer and the ablation probe.
[0004] Additionally, the introducer includes one or more energy
elements arranged along an axial direction of the hollow member,
and one or more sensor elements arranged along the axial direction
of the hollow member. Optionally, the introducer further includes a
circuit board, and the one or more energy elements and/or the one
or more sensor elements are disposed on the circuit board.
[0005] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes an inner removable core.
[0006] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a coupling sensor configured to detect coupling of the
introducer to the ablation probe.
[0007] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a stabilization mechanism configured to maintain
positioning of the introducer.
[0008] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a fiducial marker.
[0009] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a visual indicator.
[0010] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes an inertial sensor.
[0011] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes an electromagnetic sensor.
[0012] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a controller. The controller is configured to spatially
and temporally control an ablation zone.
[0013] An introducer system is also described herein. The system
includes an ablation probe; and an introducer that is configured to
detachably couple with the ablation probe. The introducer includes
a hollow member, one or more energy elements arranged along an
axial direction of the hollow member, and one or more sensor
elements arranged along the axial direction of the hollow member.
Optionally, the introducer further includes a circuit board, and
the one or more energy elements and/or the one or more sensor
elements are disposed on the circuit board.
[0014] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes an inner removable core.
[0015] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a locking mechanism configured to secure the introducer
and the ablation probe.
[0016] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a coupling sensor configured to detect coupling of the
introducer to the ablation probe.
[0017] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a stabilization mechanism configured to maintain
positioning of the introducer.
[0018] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a fiducial marker.
[0019] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes a visual indicator.
[0020] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes an inertial sensor.
[0021] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer further
includes an electromagnetic sensor.
[0022] Optionally, in some implementations, the system further
includes a controller operably connected to the introducer. The
controller is configured to spatially and temporally control an
ablation zone.
[0023] Optionally, the ablation probe is a cryoablation probe.
[0024] Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be
or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It
is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features
and/or advantages be included within this description and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale
relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates an example intelligent introducer system
according to an implementation described herein. FIG. 1B
illustrates a radial cross section of the introducer along line
A-A' in FIG. 1A.
[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates another view of the intelligent
introducer system of FIG. 1A.
[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates a radial cross section of the introducer
and ablation probe along line A-A' in FIG. 2A.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a radial cross section of an example
introducer system according to an implementation described
herein.
[0030] FIG. 4 is an example computing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art. Methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or
testing of the present disclosure. As used in the specification,
and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. The term "comprising" and variations thereof as used
herein is used synonymously with the term "including" and
variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. The terms
"optional" or "optionally" used herein mean that the subsequently
described feature, event or circumstance may or may not occur, and
that the description includes instances where said feature, event
or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. Ranges may
be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to
"about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed,
an aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the
other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as
approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be
understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will
be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are
significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the other endpoint.
[0032] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" when
referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a percentage,
and the like, is meant to encompass variations of .+-.20%, .+-.10%,
.+-.5%, or .+-.1% from the measurable value.
[0033] An intelligent introducer system that couples with any third
party cryoablation or ablation probe/catheter is described herein.
Example cryoablation systems are described in WO2020/163854, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety. The resulting coupled introducer and ablation
probe/catheter enables physicians to target specific tissues,
control the temperature, and obtain direct feedback on the state
and progress of the ablation procedure. The introducer comprises
electronics, material coatings, and components that measures,
controls, and provides direct insight into the status of the
procedure. In some implementations, the system comprises the
introducer, a marker for image recognition and processing, and a
control module that communicates to the physician through a
computing device such as a tablet or other computer unit.
[0034] In one example implementation, the intelligent introducer
system includes an ablation probe, and an introducer that is
configured to detachably couple with the ablation probe. This
disclosure contemplates that the ablation probe may be any third
party cryoablation or other ablation (microwave, RF, etc.)
probe/catheter. Optionally, in some implementations, the ablation
probe is a cryoablation probe.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-2B, an example intelligent
introducer system according to implementations described herein are
shown. The system includes an ablation probe 100 and an introducer
150. As described herein, the ablation probe 100 can optionally be
a cryoablation probe. It should be understood that the ablation
probe 100 can be another type of probe including, but not limited
to, microwave or radiofrequency (RF) ablation probes. Ablation
probes are well known in the art and therefore not described in
further detail herein. As noted above, this disclosure contemplates
that the ablation probe can be an ablation probe/catheter known in
the art. In the implementations of FIGS. 1A-2B, the introducer 150
and probe 100 are configured for detachable coupling. For example,
in FIG. 1A, the introducer 150 and probe 100 are detached (i.e.,
not coupled). And in FIG. 2A, the introducer 150 and probe 100 are
partially coupled. The introducer 150 and probe 100 are coupled by
positioning the introducer 150 around the probe 100, for example,
as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2A. The introducer 150 includes a
hollow tube (see radial cross section view of FIG. 1B). Thus, when
coupled to the probe 100, the introducer 150 surrounds the probe
100 (see radial cross section view of FIG. 2B). The introducer 150
includes a locking mechanism configured to secure the introducer
150 and the ablation probe 100. The locking mechanism can be a pin,
latch, screw, magnet, or other mechanism configured to secure the
introducer 150 and the ablation probe 100. In some implementation,
the locking mechanism extends/retracts from the introducer 150 to
engage the ablation probe 100. For example, this disclosure
contemplates that the locking mechanism can be engaged, manually or
automatically, to keep the introducer 150 in a fixed position
relative to the ablation probe 100. This disclosure also
contemplates that the locking mechanism can be disengaged, manually
or automatically, to decouple the introducer 150 from the ablation
probe 100.
[0036] Additionally, the introducer 150 includes one or more energy
elements (see FIG. 3) arranged along an axial direction of the
hollow member, and one or more sensor elements (see FIG. 3)
arranged along the axial direction of the hollow member.
Optionally, the introducer 150 further includes a circuit board,
and the one or more energy elements and/or the one or more sensor
elements are disposed on the circuit board. Energy elements and
sensors are described in WO2020/163854, the disclosure of which is
expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0037] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer 150
further includes an inner removable core.
[0038] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer 150
further includes a coupling sensor configured to detect coupling of
the introducer 150 to the ablation probe 100. This disclosure
contemplates using any sensor that can detect coupling of the
introducer 150 and probe 100, e.g., magnetic sensors, strain
sensors, etc.
[0039] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer 150
further includes a stabilization mechanism configured to maintain
positioning of the introducer 150. For example, the stabilization
mechanism can be a component or portion of the introducer 150 that
extends radially toward the ablation probe 100 when coupled. This
disclosure contemplates that the stabilization mechanism can be
made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, rigid
and elastic materials.
[0040] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer 150
further includes one or more surgical navigation sensors. Such
sensors can include, but are not limited to, an inertial sensor
(e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, or combinations
thereof) or electromagnetic sensor. It should be understood that
inertial and electromagnetic sensors are provided only as examples.
This disclosure contemplates using other types of sensors for
surgical navigation.
[0041] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer 150
further includes a fiducial marker (e.g., a reflective material,
barcode, or other visual marking) and/or a visual indicator (e.g.,
a light emitting diode or light source). Such markers or indicators
can be used for guidance during a surgical procedure.
[0042] Optionally, in some implementations, the introducer 150
further includes a controller. The introducer 150 can be coupled to
the controller (e.g., computing device of FIG. 4) through one or
more communication links. This disclosure contemplates the
communication links are any suitable communication link. For
example, a communication link may be implemented by any medium that
facilitates data exchange between the introducer 150 and controller
including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and optical links.
The controller is configured to spatially and temporally control an
ablation zone. For example, the introducer 150 can communicate with
the controller. As described below, the controller is configured to
receive measurements from one or more of the sensor elements of the
introducer 150. Alternatively or additionally, the controller is
configured to control (e.g., turn ON/OFF) one or more of the energy
elements of the introducer 150. Spatial and temporal control of the
ablation zone is described in are described in WO2020/163854, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the introducer includes a hollow member
350, one or more energy elements 352, and one or more sensor
elements 354 (e.g., sensors). Additionally, the one or more energy
elements 352 and one or more sensor elements 354 are optionally
separated by insulating or conducting materials 356a, 356b. As
shown in FIG. 3, the ablation probe 300 is inserted into the hollow
member 350 of the introducer. The energy element(s) 352 and the
sensor element(s) 354 are arranged along an axial direction of the
hollow member 350 (not shown in FIG. 3). An energy element 352 can
be configured to convert electrical energy to heat or cold. A
sensor element 354 can be configured to measure temperature in
proximity to the introducer. It should be understood that
temperature sensing is provided only as an example. This disclosure
contemplates that the sensor element 354 can be configured to
measure other parameters including, but not limited to, electrical
current, chemical element, or tissue sample or tissue
characteristics. In some implementations, the introducer includes
both energy elements and sensor elements. In other implementations,
the introducer may include only energy element(s). In yet other
implementations, the introducer may include only sensor element(s).
It should be understood that the number, spacing, and arrangement
of the energy elements 352 and sensor elements 354 in FIG. 3 are
provided only as an example. This disclosure contemplates providing
an introducer having different numbers and/arrangements of energy
elements 352 and sensors 354.
[0044] In some implementations, the system further includes a
controller (e.g., computing device of FIG. 4) operably connected to
the introducer. The introducer can be coupled to the controller
through one or more communication links. This disclosure
contemplates the communication links are any suitable communication
link. For example, a communication link may be implemented by any
medium that facilitates data exchange between the introducer and
controller including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and
optical links. The controller is configured to receive measurements
from one or more of the sensor elements 354. Alternatively or
additionally, the controller is configured to control (e.g., turn
ON/OFF) one or more of the energy elements 352. As such, the
controller can be configured to spatially and temporally control a
ablation zone, for example, by individually addressing and
controlling one or more of the energy elements 352. In some
implementations, the controller can be configured to use real-time
temperature feedback as measured by the one or more sensing
elements 354 to control the energy elements 352.
[0045] This disclosure contemplates that the intelligent introducer
and/or intelligent introducer system can include one or more of the
following features:
[0046] The system can be configured for measurement of temperature
at least one physical points in the patient.
[0047] The system can be configured for steering biasing of the ice
with at least 90 degrees (left or right of the probe).
[0048] The introducer can include a hollow tube with inner
removable core with locking mechanism for attaching to any 3rd
party cryoablation or other ablation (microwave, RF, etc.)
probe/catheter.
[0049] The introducer can have an electromechanical sensing
interface to validate coupling of ablation probe with
introducer.
[0050] The introducer can have a mechanical locking mechanism for
coupling ablation probe with introducer.
[0051] The introducer can have a stabilization mechanism for
maintaining position after placement.
[0052] The introducer can have one or more sensing elements for
detection of orientation, position, and motion.
[0053] The introducer can be of single element fabrication where
multiple components are individually placed for desired function or
can have a single packaged component with all elements placed in a
circuit board or thin film flexible circuit.
[0054] The introducer can be used for cryoablation, microwave
ablation, radiofrequency ablation, or any other energy based
ablation mechanism.
[0055] The introducer geometry can be a cylinder or other polygonal
(e.g., hexagon, pentagon, etc.) structure.
[0056] The introducer can be hollow on one end or have a tip.
[0057] The introducer can have an inner removable component with a
tip, which after removal provides a hollow end for insertion of
devices.
[0058] The introducer can be used to place biopsy needle for
sampling.
[0059] The introducer can be used to coagulate or cauterize
tissue/tract.
[0060] The introducer can be made of metals, polymers, hydrogels,
ceramic, or other materials.
[0061] The system can include a controller, and the introducer can
be coupled to the controller, for example by a wired or wireless
link, and communicate with the controller. For example, the
introducer can send data and receive data from controller. The
controller communicates data through wired or wireless link with a
tablet or other computer system. Alternatively or additionally, the
controller interfaces with hospital network, CT scanner, or other
imaging equipment for real-time acquisition of images. The tablet
provides real-time visualization of procedure status and
measurements. The tablet provides real-time control of introducer
functionality.
[0062] The introducer can have a circuit board with energy
producing elements.
[0063] The introducer can have energy producing elements can
generate heat or generate cold.
[0064] The introducer can have a circuit board with temperature
measurement elements.
[0065] The introducer can have a ring of electrode contacts for
detection of ice generation during cryoablation procedures.
[0066] In the case of cryoablation, the introducer can detect
generation of ice and measure the temperature of the ice
generation.
[0067] In the case of cryoablation, the introducer can augment the
ablation zone shape and size by energizing individual energy
producing elements within the introducer.
[0068] In the case of heat based ablation (e.g., microwave,
radiowave, etc.), the introducer can detect generation of the
ablation zone and measure the ablation zone temperature.
[0069] In the case of heat based ablation, the introducer can
augment the ablation zone shape and size by energizing individual
energy producing elements within the introducer.
[0070] The introducer can have electromagnetic sensors for position
and guidance tracking.
[0071] The introducer can have can be of varying diameters to
support variable probe diameters.
[0072] The introducer can have visual markings to provide visual
feedback to the user on the orientation of the introducer.
[0073] The introducer can have visual indicators (e.g., light
emitting diodes) to provide visual feedback to the user on the
status of communication with the software and controller.
[0074] It should be appreciated that the logical operations
described herein with respect to the various figures may be
implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or
program modules (i.e., software) running on a computing device
(e.g., the computing device described in FIG. 4), (2) as
interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules (i.e.,
hardware) within the computing device and/or (3) a combination of
software and hardware of the computing device. Thus, the logical
operations discussed herein are not limited to any specific
combination of hardware and software. The implementation is a
matter of choice dependent on the performance and other
requirements of the computing device. Accordingly, the logical
operations described herein are referred to variously as
operations, structural devices, acts, or modules. These operations,
structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in
software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any
combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that more or
fewer operations may be performed than shown in the figures and
described herein. These operations may also be performed in a
different order than those described herein.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, an example computing device 400 upon
which the methods described herein may be implemented is
illustrated. It should be understood that the example computing
device 400 is only one example of a suitable computing environment
upon which the methods described herein may be implemented.
Optionally, the computing device 400 can be a well-known computing
system including, but not limited to, personal computers, servers,
handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,
microprocessor-based systems, network personal computers (PCs),
minicomputers, mainframe computers, embedded systems, and/or
distributed computing environments including a plurality of any of
the above systems or devices. Distributed computing environments
enable remote computing devices, which are connected to a
communication network or other data transmission medium, to perform
various tasks. In the distributed computing environment, the
program modules, applications, and other data may be stored on
local and/or remote computer storage media.
[0076] In its most basic configuration, computing device 400
typically includes at least one processing unit 406 and system
memory 404. Depending on the exact configuration and type of
computing device, system memory 404 may be volatile (such as random
access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM),
flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. This most
basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4 by dashed line 402.
The processing unit 406 may be a standard programmable processor
that performs arithmetic and logic operations necessary for
operation of the computing device 400. The computing device 400 may
also include a bus or other communication mechanism for
communicating information among various components of the computing
device 400.
[0077] Computing device 400 may have additional
features/functionality. For example, computing device 400 may
include additional storage such as removable storage 408 and
non-removable storage 410 including, but not limited to, magnetic
or optical disks or tapes. Computing device 400 may also contain
network connection(s) 416 that allow the device to communicate with
other devices. Computing device 400 may also have input device(s)
414 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc. Output device(s)
412 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be
included. The additional devices may be connected to the bus in
order to facilitate communication of data among the components of
the computing device 400. All these devices are well known in the
art and need not be discussed at length here.
[0078] The processing unit 406 may be configured to execute program
code encoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Tangible,
computer-readable media refers to any media that is capable of
providing data that causes the computing device 400 (i.e., a
machine) to operate in a particular fashion. Various
computer-readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to
the processing unit 406 for execution. Example tangible,
computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to,
volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media and
non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for
storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data
structures, program modules or other data. System memory 404,
removable storage 408, and non-removable storage 410 are all
examples of tangible, computer storage media. Example tangible,
computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to,
an integrated circuit (e.g., field-programmable gate array or
application-specific IC), a hard disk, an optical disk, a
magneto-optical disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, a holographic
storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM, electrically
erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other
memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other
optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices.
[0079] In an example implementation, the processing unit 406 may
execute program code stored in the system memory 404. For example,
the bus may carry data to the system memory 404, from which the
processing unit 406 receives and executes instructions. The data
received by the system memory 404 may optionally be stored on the
removable storage 408 or the non-removable storage 410 before or
after execution by the processing unit 406.
[0080] It should be understood that the various techniques
described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or
software or, where appropriate, with a combination thereof. Thus,
the methods and apparatuses of the presently disclosed subject
matter, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form
of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media,
such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other
machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is
loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computing device,
the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the presently
disclosed subject matter. In the case of program code execution on
programmable computers, the computing device generally includes a
processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including
volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least
one input device, and at least one output device. One or more
programs may implement or utilize the processes described in
connection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g.,
through the use of an application programming interface (API),
reusable controls, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in
a high level procedural or object-oriented programming language to
communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be
implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any
case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language and it
may be combined with hardware implementations.
[0081] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *